Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff confirmed his great interest in Max Verstappen in an interview with Fox Sports Australia in Melbourne. For the Viennese, the three-time world champion is at the forefront as a possible replacement for Lewis Hamilton. The seven-time Formula 1 champion is leaving Mercedes for Ferrari at the end of the year.
Verstappen actually still has a Red Bull contract until 2028. However, the turmoil following allegations from an employee against team boss Christian Horner for alleged misconduct could open up room for an early departure.
Formula 2 rookie is also conceivable
“We have one place available, the only one in one of the top teams – unless Max decides that he is leaving, then he would be filled immediately with us,” said Wolff, who listed double world champion Fernando Alonso, Carlos Sainz or Formula 2 rookie as possible alternatives Kimi Antonelli called.
Wolff had tried to sign Verstappen as a teenager, even before he signed for Red Bull – but he could not immediately offer him a place in a Formula 1 cockpit. Verstappen did not rule out a move to Mercedes in the long term. In Australia, however, he said that he felt comfortable in his “second family” Red Bull and it would be a great story if he could end his F1 career there.
